About Labrador & Labradoodle Puppies Chicago

About Labrador & Labradoodle Puppies Chicago
We are located in Mundelein, IL, & have been breeding the highest quality puppies for over 20 years! Our recipe for success begins with full panel DNA testing through Embark, & OFA hip & elbow certifications through the OFA. These are the ONLY two things that dictate the quality of a dog! If a breeder is not doing these tests it doesn't matter if you spend $5 or $5000 on a puppy. Price does not dictate quality- Genetic and Orthopedic testing does. A breeder should be able to provide these reports. If they cannot- regardless of the excuse- the tests were not done & you have no way to determine the quality & health of the dog. Period.
We are rated the Number One Labrador and Labradoodle breeder not only in Illinois, but in the country. We have a 5 star Google rating with hundreds of reviews. We encourage you to read some to get an idea of who we are. We have achieved this for one reason- solid DNA & orthopedic testing. We not only give copies of both DNA & orthopedic reports to those who adopt our pups, we go over the report, explaining ever detail, as well as explaining why DNA & orthopedic testing is absolutely critical in breeding the highest quality pups possible. Sadly, over 90% of breeders do not do these tests, or do very limited testing.
Breeding high quality Labradors and Labradoodle pups for over 20 years has been rewarding and exciting! Many of our dogs have gone on to be professionally trained therapy and service dogs. We have done television segments, made public speaking appearances, & are always out to educate people about real & true dog health. We are extremely transparent, professional, & will give you the answers you are searching for. We take a lot of pride in our pups! We have established an outstanding reputation not only in the Midwest, but throughout the country.
What You Will Receive with Our Pups
- Copies of both parents DNA reports which are 17 pages minimum- our breeding dogs are clear of ALL genetic conditions.
-A two year written genetic & orthopedic health guarantee
- Copies of both parents' OFA orthopedic reports- Our dogs range from Fair to Excellent
-A vaccination record listing all vaccinations, dewormings & heartworm schedules
- Dew Claws removed- unless you state otherwise- pup must be under 4 days old to request non-removal
- Microchip- We microchip your pup too!
-Lifetime support- our relationship never ends- we are always here to answer any questions or concerns.
-We also offer boarding & training services. See more details in website.
-We offer continued vaccination, deworming services too- less expensive than a vet.
Trusted by Families Across the Country
Black Betty is 5 ! Healthy, smart and a Dang Good Dog!
Mike Martinez the breeder, is still in touch with us and enjoys hearing about her.
Betty and I have grown an inseparable bond over the years we cherish dearly. Being semi retired and working from home, we share a lot of our time together. She’s independent but always ready and waiting to share her love with us, the wife and I.
An F1 field dog, Betty Loves-to-Run and gets in at least a mile or two a day. Being trained off leash, she has the freedom and discipline to enjoy her walks in the park. Videos added.
Thank you Mike, for helping us find each other. We needed each other and time has been good to us.
Update 10/25/23. Betty is almost 3.5yrs now. Best forever friends! She's a good girl and we'll trained off leash. It took 1.5yrs till she knew it. A lot of time and patience to get there. The free spirit loves to socialize with the pack and their parents. She challenges alpha and plays hard to win.
Thanks Mike! It really means a lot to share our adventures with you.
Thanks Mike, for your professional experience and honest assessment of where we are in the doggy world today.
Our journey to meet you, by chance on the internet, was rife with disappointment and fraud. It had been 12-years since we shopped for a puppy and best-friend Jackson R.I.P, in 2008. When I spoke on the phone with Mike, he listened as I admitted my experience since early May, and aided me in the realization that I would be spending more than planned for a quality dog.
Mike indicated I could find a puppy in my price range, but, the dogs will most likely not be DNA and OFA certified. He went on to explain his quality breeding service and convinced me that I should consider his advice and read through the information in his website, along with his Google reviews, to see what others had to say.
We ended up with our beautiful, sweet, intelligent Betty! I understand the point’s people have made in the Google reviews- and I have to say I now understand why and confirm their accuracy with my own experience.
Mike calls to check on the pup. Mike has been breeding dogs for 15-years. The care and knowledge he possesses are vast, freely shared and greatly appreciated. Having had dogs all my life it is reassuring that his calls are of concern for his puppy’s and clients.
Mike is well read and experienced in puppy matters such as; health and safety, nutrition, doggy habits, training, discipline, etc. His breeder skills are top notch and delivers well-bred pups that are healthy and smart.
The “puppy prep sheet” Mike emails you is a good read and suggested reference when bringing a puppy home. The requirement sheet provides valuable and useful info for new puppy’s and owners, and older lifetime owners that may read some good info about quality pup care.
The care that goes into breeding Mike’s pups is proven science and a love for his dogs. His dogs are well cared for with walks and swims in Lake Michigan, and they are fit and trim. The dogs and pups live with him. Duly noted in another review is how clean and odor free his house is. His dogs are trained, very friendly and the puppies are born into a nurturing environment.
Betty is 8-weeks now. She goes to the door to go out, shakes paw, sits and her biting is down to a minimum, except when she’s in mad-dog mode and wants to play hard. She learns fast. She knows her name and is starting to come when called. I have started training, explaining; sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, on the double and no mud. Never too early to start, I believe she may be voice command trained very quickly!
Thanks Mike, A week and a half, and we are best friends. Betty’s personality is fast becoming loyal and trusting. She tries to please us with the skills she is learning, and loves obtaining our praise and kindness! The treats help too.
I may call to inquire about quality trainers to assist in Betty’s development. She’s smart and I would like to see her achieve her potential.
Bill Gibbons
Chicago, IL
Mike goes out of his way to ensure you have all of the information you need to be a successful pet parent. We also went over the thorough genetic testing and insights Mike has.
We’re so happy to have Molly as our new family member and appreciate the care that went into ensuring we had plenty of information to feel confident in the type of dog we have.
Mike’s dedication to responsible breeding gave us complete confidence in our decision. He truly cares about his puppies and the families they go to— this isn’t just a business for him, it’s a mission. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Labrador or Labradoodle and want to work with someone who genuinely puts the dogs’ health first, Mike is the breeder you want. Highly recommended!
Before adopting Tootsie, I did a lot of research on the internet. Then I sope with Mike at great lengths, and decided Mike knew what he was doing, and cared deeply about his dogs. The in-person conversation only reinforced my research, and slowed me Mike is a first class breeder. Then he provided documentation regarding Tootsie's parents, specifically DNA and OFA testing. That was the proof I needed, he had testing to prove her health is as advertised, and what could be expected. I am a retired Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Industry that appreciates hard evidence.
Tootsie was Stage 2 trained. Eliminating hours and hours of crate training, she had all the basis commands I needed to help me build upon. Which I have, what a smart dog.
Thank you, Mike, for my dream puppy.
And thanks for your continued follow-up calls.
Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also goes above and beyond in staying in touch throughout the process. Whether it's answering questions, providing updates, or sharing essential information, he’s always available and eager to help. It’s clear that he cares deeply about the families he places his puppies with and is invested in their well-being every step of the way.
If you're looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle and a breeder who truly cares about both the dogs and their future families, look no further. You won't find a better place to start your journey!
When decided to get another dog, we did more research for “good breeders”. We read reviews, looking to see how long they have been breeding dogs, etc. It wasn't until we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago that we began to understand the importance of DNA and Orthopedic testing. Most breeders don't even mention it, we just assumed we were getting a high quality, healthy dog because it’s from a breeder. I am so thankful that we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago and that Mike was able to teach us the importance of genetic testing. Mike prides himself on breeding healthy, high-quality puppies, which was so important to us given the experience we had with our last dog. Please, don’t get a puppy just based off reviews, take it from us, I wish we knew then what we know now. Thank you so much Mike, we love our beautiful little puppy Loki and look forward to a long healthy life with her.
From the very beginning, Mike was extremely easy to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his dogs' well-being. What truly set him apart was his continued support even after adoption, consistently checking in to see how Minnie was doing and if we had any questions.
It’s clear that he cares deeply about his puppies and the families they go to. We couldn’t be happier with our decision, and we highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reputable, responsible breeder!
Given the large number of puppy mills in the Chicagoland area, it is great to know firsthand that Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago is a first rate, legitimate breeder.
Having flown across the states not once, but twice, to bring home our beloved dogs Sherman (Black Labradoodle) and Birdie Bean (Silver + Blue Eyed Labradoodle), I am continually impressed by Mike's dedication and the personalized care he extends.
Mike's approach to breeding is grounded in meticulous DNA and orthopedic testing, ensuring each puppy's long-term health and vitality. His responsiveness and genuine care for the puppies extend well beyond the initial adoption. Mike's follow-up texts over several weeks to check on our new pup Birdie Bean highlight his commitment not just as a breeder, but as a true caregiver who remains invested in the lives of his puppies and their families.
I love to highly train my dogs and Mike's dog are crazy smart. Sherman off-lease in full heal in downtown Seattle could catch a frisbee 100 yards away and was taught to carry my umbrella in the Seattle rain. He would even walk to the local store and find my wife's favorite popcorn and bring it back to her. I plan to train Birdie to be in my pediatric medical clinic as a service pup. Anything is possible with Mike's dogs.
What truly sets Mike apart is his people-first attitude. His quick responses to texts, readiness to provide knowledgeable answers, and his innate kindness make the entire experience deeply personal and reassuring. The journey from Seattle to Illinois is a testament to the trust and respect we have for Mike's professionalism and the love he shows to every puppy and family he encounters.
If you are looking for a breeder who not only provides healthy, beautiful puppies but treats you like family, look no further than Mike Martinez at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago. Here, you are not just adopting a pet; you are becoming part of a community that cherishes lifelong bonds.
Thanks Mike! 🐶 ❤️
Mike has been great about checking in with us frequently to make sure Champ is doing well and he remains available to answer any questions. Working with Mike has been a great experience I would definitely recommend.
week old Labradoodle “Bodi” two weeks ago. It’s been two weeks now. Bodi is in a nuts shell, crate trained, potty trained, (unless his parents screw up) and basically the smoothest transition dog I have ever had. Going on 8 dogs in my lifetime. We have had one indoor accident since arrival and It was my fault. Bodi rings a bell when he wants to go outside(our training). We have taken him on an 8 hour ride to PA from Chicago and he has no concerns being in his crate or buckled in to the back seat. We have kept him in his crate 60% of the day and will continue this practice until 6 months of age.( this make separation anxiety a breeze) He is well adjusted to being at peace by himself and has adapted well to our home and family. I can’t say enough about Mike! We have been in constant contact about the genetics reports on Bodi’s mom and dad, feeding recommendations and just about everything else. Mike is a very available and totally invested person when it comes to the future of his dog’s forever home family. If I have a question….Mike is willing and excited to reply promptly every time.
I was close to giving up on having a dog because of the shedding and allergies that would be an issue in my home.
I investigated the labradoodle breed because of the non shedding/hypoallergenic factor. While searching, I found Mike’s site. Everything just fell I to place from that moment.
We have an entire immediate and extended family that has fallen in love with Bodi! 9 cousins absolutely didn’t want us to leave PA this thanksgiving.
My parents are on deck to get a stage 1 trained pup from Mike as they are also a huge fan of a non shedding and not have to wake up every 2 hours every night to walk the babies.
Bodi’s demeanor is cool and isn’t overbearing unless on walks and then he wants to kill every blowing leaf he sees. He’s a puppy! It cute. He sits, waits, comes, lays down and did I mention in a week, he learned to ring a bell when he needs to pee?!?!
We are over the moon with the stage 1 labradoodle decision from a guy who has 17 of his own dogs at his house and celebrates birthdays and thanksgiving with all of his own labs and doodles!
All genetically tested and reported!
Thanks Mike!
My sons, husband and I will never forget the wonderful first meeting that Mike facilitated at his beautiful facility, full of happy dogs, where we met Burfi and his parents for the first time. Mike is very, very thorough in his approach, both in terms of the paperwork and health records for the puppies, as well as the preparatory instructions for soon-to-be dog owners! He is extremely knowledgeable about his profession, is very transparent about the health screens for his puppies and their parents, and also very transparent and helpful on what to expect with the puppies as they transition into their new home and grow. His records for Burfi were meticulous, and his instructions on how to deal with the early days with a new puppy have been on point. Mike has tirelessly checked in on us - he genuinely cares for Burfi and for us to have the best possible bonding experience with our new love and family member!
Update…about 6 years after adopting, we decided our family was ready to add another dog to the mix. After having such a great experience, we decided to reach out to Mike again. We found a perfect fit for our family in adopting Ruby, a trained puppy. She was already crate trained and able to walk on the leash. She even sleeps through the night. Mike allowed us to bring our dog over to play with Ruby for awhile to make sure they got along. Could not have been an easier process. For anyone looking for a puppy or a trained puppy, I highly recommend!
He was very quick to respond when I was inquiring about a puppy.
We had a wonderful experience.
Why Our Puppies Stand Apart-
Our puppies are premium quality which begins with full panel DNA testing through Embark, & OFA hip/elbow certifications. These are the only things that determine the quality of a dog. Sadly, the majority of breeders (about 90%) do absolutely no DNA or orthopedic testing & are blinding breeding puppies. Other breeders may do a limited DNA panel- which consists of about 6 conditions- but both Labradors, Labradoodles, & Goldendoodles can carry over 20 breed related conditions. There are also many breeders out there that claim they do both DNA & OFA testing, but if you ask them for copies of the reports, they will give you every excuse under the sun as to why they cannot produce them for you.
I have dealt with these types breeders many times throughout the years, which is why I know these things. Experience is our best teacher! Embark is one of a couple DNA companies that always checks for over 200 conditions. A minimum of 35% of puppies that come from parents with no DNA or orthopedic testing will be born with a genetic/orthopedic disease- or both! 60% of puppies are born as "carriers." This means that they carry one copy of a recessive disease. Every human & dog carries two copies of every gene. Some diseases are recessive- meaning that two copies are needed for the dog to have the mutation for the disease. This happens when each parent carries at least one copy of a specific recessive disease. 25% of the offspring will be born with a bad copy from Mom & a bad copy from Dad & will have a 90/95% chance of that disease surfacing between the ages of 4 & 8 years of age, on average. A dominant disease means that only one copy is needed from either parent for the puppy to be born with the disease. Sadly- most people search by a puppy by how cute it is & the price. NOT GOOD!!

When it's time for the pups to go home, toy selection, food, basic training and housebreaking tips are gone over with the pups new family, & they are given a couple puppy handouts that we have prepared detailing complete & efficient puppy care. We also will email puppy care handouts once a deposit is given for a pup. This gives the new family time to go through the handouts & reach out to us with any questions or concerns.


MEAT & POTATOES
Once our pups are weaned off Mom at roughly 4 weeks of age they are given a high fat, high protein food. This is CRITICAL in ensuring the pup begins development away from Mom as strongly as possible! We deworm our pups every two weeks up until 8 weeks minimum, & all vaccinations, dewclaw removal, & microchips are done in house. Once the pups reach four weeks of age, we allow those that have been adopted to have visitors. It is crucial to wait until this time to ensure the puppies immune system is a bit stronger. Breeders who let people see or handle puppies under the age of four weeks are careless! The pups health can be greatly compromised. We personally oversee every single step & detail until our pups go to their furever homes.
